Kinshi (金紙) is a Japanese term meaning “prohibition”, “restriction”, or “forbidden”. It can be used in many contexts, such as when referring to something that is not allowed in a particular place or activity.
For example, kokugai kinshi (国外禁止) is used to refer to something that has been officially forbidden outside of Japan. Kinshi can also refer to the various restrictions placed on certain activities or products in order to protect public safety or health.
For example, if cigarettes were restricted in a certain area due to health concerns, the area might be referred to as having “tobacco kinshi (たばこ禁止)”.
What compliments Japanese maple?
Japanese maple trees look beautiful on their own, but to truly bring out their beauty, a few well-selected companion plants can create a pleasing composition in any garden. Primrose, Chrysanthemum, Avens, Heuchera, Brunnera, Bleeding Hearts, Hosta, and Foamflower are all wonderful options for pairing with Japanese maples.
The foliage of the other plants helps to enhance the structure of the Japanese maple, while the flowers of certain companion plants can bring out the beauty of the Japanese maple’s spring or autumn colors.
Additionally, depending on the desired outcome, a variety of evergreen shrubs and trees can be used to compliment the Japanese Maple, such as Camellia, Camellia japonica, or Photinia. Many of these also offer beautiful and fragrant blooms, providing color and texture throughout the growing season.
The key to success is to create balance by choosing plants with varying heights, shapes, and colors that will play off the Japanese maple in a harmonious way.
What can I plant around an Acer?
Acer trees, also known as maple trees, are a beautiful addition to any yard or garden. When it comes to adding complimentary planting around a maple tree, there are several options. Flowering shrubs such as azaleas, rhododendrons, and hydrangeas provide beautiful color and texture year round.
Hostas make a great contrast to the bright, smooth bark of a maple and their large, lush foliage texture adds a bit of variety. Shade-loving perennials such as ferns and lungwort provide texture and interest while providing a great backdrop to the beautiful fall foliage of the Acer tree.
Ground covers such as pachysandra and ivy can also help fill in any gaps or open spaces. Adding one or two ornamental grasses such as Japanese forest grass or liriope will also help compliment the Acer tree and give the garden a added texture and feeling of movement.
Can I plant ferns under a Japanese maple?
Yes, you can plant ferns under a Japanese maple. Ferns prefer partial to full shade and rich, moist soil, so they will do well under the canopy of a Japanese maple tree. Ferns can help create a lush, green look beneath the tree and will also help to protect the soil from erosion.
When planting ferns, be sure to space them out accordingly to give them room to grow. Water them frequently during the first few weeks to get them established, and then reduce watering frequency as the ferns become more established.
Mulching around the ferns helps retain soil moisture and keeps weeds away. With adequate care, you can enjoy a beautiful, leafy display of ferns beneath your Japanese maple.
Do birds like Japanese maple trees?
Yes, birds generally like Japanese maple trees because they provide shelter and food. The leaves of this type of maple tree can provide nesting material for birds, and the small branches can be used as perches for them.
The flowers of Japanese maples are also attractive to many species of birds, as there are usually plenty of insects attracted to the bright colors. In addition, the seeds are a great source of food for many species of birds.
Japanese maples sometimes provide cover from predators and other threats to birds, which could make them a popular choice in a garden.
Can I plant a Japanese maple next to my house?
Yes, you can plant a Japanese maple next to your house. However, it is important to keep in mind the particular needs of the tree species when deciding the best location for planting. Japanese maple trees need well-drained soil, consistent moisture, and protection from strong winds and intense sunlight.
It would be best to choose a location near a wall or fence that can provide your tree with some protection from the elements, while still getting adequate sunlight. Since Japanese maple trees are relatively slow-growing, they should also have plenty of space to grow unhindered by other plants or structures.
Additionally, be sure to research the proper planting instructions for your particular type of maple tree as each variety may have certain needs for proper growth. Taking these precautions into consideration can help to ensure the health of your Japanese maple.
What can you plant at the base of a maple tree?
The best plants to plant around a maple tree depend on the amount of light and soil drainage that’s available. Some great plants to place around the base of the tree include shrubs such as boxwood, azaleas, and holly, as well as climbers like clematis and honeysuckle for a touch of color.
If your maple tree is located in a shady area, there are plenty of shade-loving plants you could choose from, such as hosta, coral bells, lady’s mantle, and ferns. Understory trees, like redbud and dogwoods, can also create a pleasant understory effect while providing extra shade on hot afternoons.
When planted around the base of the tree, these trees can help to draw out aphids and other pests, as well as help with water retention and soil quality. In addition to these decorative additions, consider adding groundcovers such as English ivy, pachysandra, and white creeping phlox to the base of your maple.
All of these plants can provide a lush, romantic look while helping to preserve the health of your tree.
How do you landscape a Japanese maple?
Landscaping a Japanese maple tree is a great way to add beauty and interest to your outdoor living space. The trick to successfully landscaping a Japanese maple is to provide the proper care and environmental conditions for the tree to thrive.
Here are the steps to take in order to landscape a Japanese maple.
1. Pick the right site: When choosing a site for your Japanese maple, select a relatively sheltered location in full sun and with some protection against strong wind. Avoid sites that are susceptible to drainage issues, as the leaves of the maple are very delicate and can easily be damaged by excess moisture.
2. Plant your maple: Plant your maple tree in a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball of your tree and just as deep. Once you have planted your maple, use a layer of mulch around the tree to help retain moisture and discourage weed growth.
3. Water frequently and consistently: Once planted, it is incredibly important to ensure that you water your Japanese Maple regularly and consistently. To ensure adequate hydration, water your tree deeply once a week, being sure to moisten the soil thoroughly.
4. Fertilize: Japanese Maples will benefit from fertilization with a balanced fertilizer once or twice a year. Be sure to avoid fertilization around the base of the tree and instead focus on fertilizing further away from the tree’s roots.
5. Prune regularly: Pruning your Japanese Maple is one of the most important parts of keeping it healthy. To keep your maple in shape, selectively thin out the branches and remove any diseased, overgrown, or damaged limbs.
By following these easy steps, you can ensure that your Japanese Maple will thrive in your outdoor living space and beautify your outdoor living environment.
How much space does a Japanese maple need?
A Japanese maple (Acer palmatum) needs enough space for its root system to extend, which varies based on the size of the tree at maturity. A mature Japanese maple typically ranges from 8 to 25 feet in height and 6 to 15 feet in width, depending on the cultivar.
For smaller trees, a planting bed about 4 to 5 feet wide is recommended for adequate root space, while larger trees require a planting bed of 6 to 8 feet wide. When planting a Japanese maple, ensure that there is a minimum of 3 feet of space between the trunk and any other tree or shrub, as close proximity could lead to root competition and other negative effects.
Which maple tree is the prettiest?
The answer to this question is highly subjective and it ultimately depends on one’s personal opinion and preference. However, most people agree that the sugar maple tree is the most beautiful. This is because it has attractive foliage that changes from yellow-green in the summer to stunning yellow, orange, and red hues during the fall.
Its bark is scaly and gray and its seeds, known as helicopter-shaped “whirlybirds”, hang from strands of long, thin stems, making for an interesting and eye-catching visual. The long-lasting fall foliage colors persist even into extreme winter months in some areas, thus adding another layer of stunning visual beauty to this tree.
When Should Japanese maples be planted?
Japanese maples should be planted in the spring or early fall. Ideally, it would be best to plant them in the spring so that they can adjust to their new environment during the mild temperatures, settling in before winter.
When planting, choose a well-drained area out of direct sunlight, as too much sun will scorch the foliage and too little will cause the maple to grow spindly. If you’re planting in very warm climates, opt for a spot with filtered sun and shade, such as under large, mature trees.
Prior to planting, soak the roots for 1 to 2 hours in water to rehydrate them, and make sure to dig a deep, wide hole. When digging, expand the sides of the hole outward so it’s more like a bowl shape at the bottom.
After planting the Japanese maple, water it thoroughly and mulch heavily (about 3 inches) to retain the moisture and prevent competition from weeds.
Can Japanese maple survive in Zone 10?
Yes, Japanese maple can survive in Zone 10. This deciduous tree does well in USDA Hardiness Zones 5-8, with some varieties (such as Acer palmatum ‘Bloodgood’) even surviving in Zone 9. They are native to parts of Japan, China, and Korea, making them well suited to tropical climates since they are naturally adapted and heat tolerant.
In Zone 10, they will require protection from hot, drying winds, as well as from late spring frosts, which can damage their foliage. It is important to provide adequate irrigation in summer and early fall, as Japanese maples are moisture-loving trees that cannot tolerate drought.
The best soil for them is a relatively poor, slightly acidic soil with good drainage. Mulching the root zone with organic matter is beneficial.
In general, pruning should be limited to removing dead branches, damaged branches, and crossing branches. Pruning should be done in spring just before new growth emerges, or in mid-summer after the foliage has fully developed.
With the right care and protection, Japanese maple can thrive in Zone 10 gardens.
Is there a Japanese maple that stays small?
Yes, there are several types of Japanese maples that stay small. One of the more popular choices is the Coral Bark Japanese maple (Acer palmatum ‘Sango-kaku’), which only grows to about 8 to 10 feet in height.
Another option is the Tamukeyama Japanese maple (Acer palmatum ‘Tamukeyama’), which only grows to about 10 feet. There is also the dwarf variety of Japanese maple, such as the Ever Red Japanese Maple (Acer japonicum ‘Aconitifolium’).
These tend to be the smallest type, growing to only about 2 to 4 feet in height.
What maple trees stay small?
The Sugar Maple (Acer Saccharum) is a popular choice for a small tree because its broad canopy can provide shade in small spaces. Other smaller maple tree varieties include Japanese Maple (Acer Palmatum) and Coral Bark Japanese Maple (Acer Palmatum ‘Sango-Kaku’) which grows to about 10 feet in height and width.
Amur Maple (Acer ginnala) is another good choice for a smaller maple tree because it rarely exceeds 20 feet in height. Trident Maple (Acer buergerianum) is a slower-growing tree and it can reach a maximum height of 20 feet.
Red Sunset® Maple (Acer rubrum) is an attractive tree that rarely exceeds 25 feet and is suitable for small gardens or yards. Finally, the October Glory® Red Maple (Acer Rubrum ‘Scares) is a slow-growing tree with a delightful display of seasonal colors and an ultimate height of 40 feet.
Should I cut the lower branches of a Japanese maple?
It depends on your own goals and aesthetic preferences. Generally speaking, the lower branches of a Japanese maple do not offer the same visual interest as the upper branches and can detract from the overall attractiveness of the tree.
If you want a larger tree, you may want to consider thinning out some of the lower branches to allow more sunlight and airflow to reach the upper branches and promote healthy growth. If you’d like a more manicured look, pruning out some of the overgrown lower branches can create a more balanced, open canopy and emphasize the graceful form of an older, more established tree.
Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide the best course of action, but keep in mind that pruning should be done carefully and judiciously to avoid damaging the tree.